NBA: Season Tip-Off
Photo: Bleacher Report (B/R)
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK — The NBA season is finally here! After an eventful pre-season filled with practice altercations, trades, new contracts, and more. We’re only three games deep, and there’s already a lot on the plate to address. Let’s begin with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are currently making headlines, and it’s not for winning.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Los Angeles Lakers - Sheesh, it’s only been a week, and the Lakers are putting the “L” in Lakers. Is it too soon? According to Charles Barkley, “they (Lakers) should not ask a 38-year-old guy to be the best player on his team”. Hinting at LeBron being the go-to guy can’t be the only hope for the Laker team. After missing the playoffs last year, this team almost looks the same - if not worse. Are we asking a bit too much from the GOAT? Or perhaps coaching is to be addressed? After all, we can’t face the fact that this team has talent, but what is not clicking? Many are speculating it’s way too soon to assume it’s over for the Lakers era. And I agree, this is early, and there’s plenty of time to make the needed adjustments. Starting off strong doesn’t always mean a solid finish, and starting off rocky doesn’t guarantee a series of failures. While the Lakers are 0-3, there is room for improvement for week 2!
Golden State Warriors - Quite the opposite of the Lakers, following a 5-point victory over the Sacramento Kings with 130-125. The nailbiting finish showed how much the Warriors have to offer this season. Steph Curry recorded his third straight 30-point performance to start the season, scored 21 points in the second quarter with five 3-pointers, and shot 11 for 22 overall, including 7 of 12 on 3s. Not a bad 2-1 start for the Warriors!
Memphis Grizzlies - Ja’Morant. That’s it. That’s the recap. The Memphis Grizzlies guard scored 49 vs. the Houston Rockets. Ja’Morant’s explosive start is quite scary, especially if he keeps us at this pace! Check out Ja’s debut with 34pts and 9 assists! Ja is playing like an MVP. The Grizzlies are currently 2-1.
The New York Knicks - The Knicks have respectfully earned a critical mention if they keep playing with this much passion, it’ll be an exciting season for them, to say the least! Let’s let the highlights speak for themselves. The Knicks are playing differently this year, which should not be ignored. Are the underdogs on their way to making headline wins? I can feel it coming.
STANDINGS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bucks 2-0
Hornets 2-1
Cavaliers 2-1
Wizards 2-1
Hawks 2-1
Nets 1-1
Knicks 1-1
Pacers 1-2
Bulls 1-2
Heat 1-2
Raptors 1-2
Pistons 1-2
76ers 0-3
Magic 0-3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Jazz 3-0
Trail Blazers 3-0
Suns 2-1
Grizzlies 2-1
Nuggets 2-1
Warriors 2-1
Timberwolves 2-1
Clippers 2-1
Pelicans 2-1
Spurs 2-1
Mavericks 1-1
Kings 0-3
Lakers 0-3
Rockets 0-3
Stay tuned as we enter week 2!
